THE CULTURE AND VARIETIES OF ROSES. 45 



to the centre, high on the crown, round in outline, with regularly 

 disposed petals. The peculiar characteristics of an}" and all varie- 

 ties should be strongh' and fully developed in each flower. 



Roses are cultivated in the open air, in the house, conservatory, 

 etc., all of which naturally come within the province of an essay on 

 the culture of roses ; but that we may embrace the whole within 

 circumscribed limits we must necessarily touch but briefly on minor 

 details. 



Soil. The proper soil for the rose is a strong, rich, friable loam, 

 well drained naturally or artificially, neither too moist nor too dr}', 

 but with such a degree of moisture that' the plants will never suffer 

 from want or excess. But we are commonly restricted to " Hobson's 

 choice," and provided with soil, such as we are obliged to use, 

 alread}' made. Such being the case we must suppl}' any deficieuc}^ 

 to the best of our ability. By aid of the present lights of 

 science, and a little labor, we are enabled to largely modif}- and 

 ameliorate almost an}- soil, often changing its entire character, and 

 remedying defects in climate, etc. A fine rose cannot be grown in 

 uncongenial soil, therefore it is idle to expect it. If the soil is poor 

 or ilh" adapted, the blossoms will be but imperfect, perhaps radi- 

 call}- different from those grown in soil well adapted to bring out 

 its strong points. Thorough drainage is essential, and where this 

 is had there is little danger of having the soil too rich ; and even 

 when it may be thought suflSiciently rich, the addition of a little well 

 decomposed manure or compost will be advantageous. There is no 

 fertilizer better adapted for the rose than decayed turf from an old 

 pasture — the older the pasture the better — mixed with old cow 

 manure ; and especially is this invaluable in pot culture, where the 

 cow dung should be in excess of that needed in out-door culture. 

 I have grown and blossomed roses in clear cow dung, which has lain 

 out and was gathered from pastures, and pulverized when dry, but 

 I think a portion of soil, to give cohesiveness, is better. Recollect 

 that the best of soil and careful attention is the price of successful 

 rose culture, and that the soil is just what we have the will to make 

 it, when it is otherwise than an appropriate one for the rose. 



Manures for the Rose. Roses are high livers and like food in 

 plenty ; a meagre diet will not answer the demands of a fine rose. 

 Of all animal manures that from the cow seems to be the best 

 adapted to the w^ants of the rose, but the manure, from whatever 

 animal it may be, should be well rotted or decomposed, and be well 



